Champion Trees

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Champion Bur Oak Tree near McBaine, Mo.
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Champion Trees
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Big Trees

There is something about a big tree that commands interest, respect and a certain amount of awe. Trees are the largest and oldest living organisms. The giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) attain a height of 300 feet and a diameter of 30 feet at their base.

Missouri doesn't have the giant sequoias, but we did at one time register a bald cypress that was 39 feet in circumference, or 12.5 feet in diameter.

How big is big? American Forests and the Missouri Department of Conservation use a formula to assess a point value for big trees. Points are determined by a tree's height, crown spread and trunk size. The formula adds the circumference in inches (measured at a point 4.5 feet above the ground) to the height in feet to one-fourth of the average crown spread.

Everyone is invited to join the search for Missouri's champion trees. There are many unreported giants just waiting to be discovered.

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State Champion Ohio Buckeye tree
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View the list of the current champion trees for over 100 species.

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Northern red oak champion tree
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Not all tree species can be Champion Trees. Look over this list before you break out your measuring tape.

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Learn the correct way to measure your tree.

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